How to Motivate Teenagers and Get Them Involved

September 23, 2019

Today we discuss how to motivate teenagers. If you know teenagers, then you understand many want to get involved in their communities, including starting nonprofits. And, they speak their minds. Even if you don’t know any teenagers, you sense that Generation Z is civic-minded. So, it’s an excellent chance for groups to engage the energy and force of today’s teenagers. By the way, that also means teens can get involved in any of your amazing fundraising ideas.

Teens and Volunteering

An article in The Atlantic noted a study by the forecasting firm, Sparks and Honey. It “found that 26% of 16-19-year olds already volunteer on a regular basis.” In other words, if you inspire teens to work with you focus them on what they like to do already.

  • Teenagers have a great way and ability to raise awareness for a cause because they speak their minds.
  • Teens know how to mobilize. And, they understand how to do social networking, including any new platform on the market.
  • When teenagers engage in a cause, they communicate it to others. In other words, they motivate teens and adults alike! That means more support for you!
  • Teens today show that they want to lead in their communities.
  • There’s no one better than teens to hold people accountable. When you have an engaged group, they will want to move the ball forward and keep you on task.

The flip side of that same coin is that teenagers also enjoy community engagement. Meaning, participation in your organizations helps inspire teens. So, give them a chance to come up with fantastic fundraising ideas! It will give them a chance to develop necessary life skills as they transition to adulthood. These skills include leadership and critical thinking. But, it also involves kindness, community awareness, and developing compassion.

 

 

How to Motivate Teenagers to Get Involved

If your group or organization wants to tap into the energy of today’s teens to help you raise awareness (and money) for a cause, you came to the right place. Here we share with you some thoughts so you can motivate teens for your cause or fundraiser.

Provide a clear purpose

One of the best things you can do to inspire teens is to treat them with respect and as young adults. Have frank and clear conversations about what you look to do and why. Teenagers today, just like older adults, want to understand the impact of the work they do in the community in support of your cause.

How to motivate teenagers by modeling

Leadership is a skill that can be natural to some but is also learned. If you seek to inspire teens for leadership, then model the behavior for them. Teens will take cues from adults. And, as they develop their skills, they will look to adults for characteristics of good leaders.

Show empathy

Don’t assume that you understand them and how they think or feel about particular issues. Instead, to motivate teens toward your cause, ask questions and try to engage them in thoughtful conversations. Ask them what they want to achieve and how they can develop with you. Ask them for their thoughts and ideas. In other words, let them know that they have a voice and part of the community that is very valuable.

Positively recognize teens

You always have to motivate people, and that includes teenagers. Give them feedback and cheer them on for the work they do. Doing so will only motivate teens to want to continue their involvement. Show them that you recognize what they do and that you care about their work with you. Achieve this, for instance, by creating fun opportunities for recognition.

How to motivate teenagers with space and independence

When you seek to motivate teens, speak about what you all will achieve—together. Then, trust them to do the job. Let them work with some space and independence so they can bring their style and abilities to the table. And, if they work in a unique fundraiser, let them figure out how to creatively motivate teens they know.

 

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